Special Olympics Missouri needs $2.6 million to finish a new Jefferson City training facility along with the $15 million they have already raised.
The additional funding would be used for outdoor necessities such as a turf field, track, and lighting.
The facility will strictly be used for training of Special Olympic athletes by providing camps. Campaign Chair for the new facility Gary Wilbers says athletes can participate in one or multiple of the 21 sports offered.
Central Missouri regional director for Special Olympics Diane Brimer hopes the facility is good for everyone, not just the athletes.
“It’s going to be able to open up a lot of opportunities for our athletes and also for our coaches and families” Brimer said.
Special Olympics is encouraging companies and individuals to donate by giving away tax credits to any donation over $1,000.
Wilbers says now is the time to donate.
“It’s really crunch time right now because now through the end of the year we have some tax credits available that we are trying to use” Wilbers said.
Wilbers hopes to have the donations by the end of the year for the end of the tear tax break.
Special Olympics hopes to break ground on the Training for Life Campus by March 2017 and hopes to have the facility completed by summer 2018.